If you love the juicy goodness of watermelon, then you need to know about the super fruit’s health benefits too.Team Health Shots

Cut a slice and have it as it is, or turn it into a delectable juice to quench your summer thirst–watermelon is one of the most versatile fruits out there. Not only is it tasty, but it also has a high water content which helps in keeping the body hydrated.

For the health-conscious people out there, watermelon is one of the lowest in calories among fruits and is also a storehouse of nutrients including vitamin C and vitamin A as well as potassium and magnesium.

Vitamin C is essential in keeping the skin health. As per a study by Purdue University in the US, potassium is important for blood pressure control and heart health.

Here are seven health benefits that you get while you enjoy this juicy super fruit:

1. It keeps you hydrated
We often hear our elders asking us to eat loads of watermelon during summers. It is because the fruit has high water content.

Fruits and vegetables that have high water content help you feel fuller for longer.

2. It may help prevent cancer
As per research, watermelon may help reduce the risk of cancer by lowering insulin-like growth factors (IGF).

According to a study by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA found that insulin/insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system plays a key role in the development and progression of several types of cancer.

3. It improves heart health
Watermelon contains a host of nutrients that are good for heart health. It also helps lower cholesterol and blood pressure.

Scientists have found that the lycopene present in watermelon is effective against life-threatening metabolic syndromes like oxidative stress, cancer, CVD, diabetes etc.

4. It reduces stiffness and thickness of artery walls
As per studies, lycopene in watermelon helps in reduction of stiffness and thickness of artery walls.

The studies were conducted in obese, postmenopausal women and Finnish men. Citrulline, an amino acid in watermelon, may also increase nitric acid levels in a person’s body. Nitric oxide helps blood vessels expands and thereby lower blood pressure.

5. It helps lower inflammation and oxidative stress
Being a rich source of anti-inflammatory antioxidants lycopene and Vitamin C, watermelon may help reduce inflammation and oxidative damage.

In a study by Spain’s University of Murcia, it was found that humans were given lycopene-rich juice with added vitamin C. saw their markers of inflammation go down and antioxidants go up.

6. It’s a boon for skin and hair
Vitamins A and C in watermelon help in giving you flawless skin and healthy hair.

Lycopene and beta-cartene in watermelon may help shield skin from sunburn which is common during summers, say experts.

7. It lowers blood pressure
Watermelon contains citruline which get converted into arginine in the body. These help in the production of nitric oxide in the body. Researchers from Michigan State University have found that Nitric oxide causes the tiny muscles of blood vessels to relax and dilate leading to reduction in blood pressure